Shots hit trailer with mom, 5 kids inside

NEW MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – New Middletown police say a stray bullet from someone target practicing in the woods hit two homes over the weekend.

Ashley Wheeler and five young children were home when the shooting happened on Saturday afternoon in the Camelot Trailer Park. Police said the bullet traveled from the woods into Wheeler’s home, through a closet, back out of the home and then across the street into another home.

A woman was inside the other home, but was not hurt. Police said the bullet traveled more than 200 feet. The bullet flew over two of Wheeler’s children who were in their bedroom.

“They were back there for not even a couple of minutes. Then you hear this big bang. My daughter ran back there and said ‘somebody shot the house’,” Wheeler said.

She then saw a hole in the upper part of the wall, and decided to go outside.

“I am walking out, there was two more bullets that flew and banged off there,” Wheeler said.

New Middletown Police Chief Vincent D’Egidio said the situation could have been a lot worse.

“They are very lucky that time of the afternoon that the children were playing, sitting on the floor. Had the bullet been any lower, we could have had an unfortunate circumstance,” D’Egidio said.

Wheeler said she was thankful for the outcome.

“I said my little prayers because my kids are alright. I mean, I ran back there, grabbed them and brought them in the living room,” Wheeler said.

Prosecutors will review the investigation to determine if any charges should be filed. D’Egidio said the person could be facing a charge of improperly discharging a firearm, shooting into a habitation or criminal damaging and endangering.

The police chief said during questioning, the subject said they were very sorry for what happened. He said it’s a reminder to always put safety first.

“Know your environment, know how to safely handle the firearm. Know what your background is at all times, if you are out target shooting or hunting, you have to be aware of surrounding residential neighborhoods,” D’Egidio said.